Desktop Computer icon replicates itself

Yeah, it's hilarious?
Actually, if I could make it happen, it would be a good practical joke to inflict on a co-worker or relative.

I'm actually surprised that you've allowed this to continue happening for over a year. It is definitely not a normal function and it would be bizarre if it was being caused by Google Chrome. It may just be that whatever was compromised on your system, Chrome simply triggers it.

What I've read about this previously is that some "tweaking" software can cause this (see THIS POST for an example). You probably don't even remember what might have been installed back then. Go into your "Installed Programs" list and sort by date. Check to see what software was installed prior to 1 year ago. If you find anything that you don't need, just get rid of it. The offending software is probably some kind of utility that tries to make Windows faster, like "WinBubble".

Another thing you can do is check your startup and boot programs list (msconfig) and see what's being loaded. You could try disabling all 3rd party services/programs and then see if it still happens. If it stops, then just narrow down to the offending program.

Okay RJKinsman help me understand what you have done to solve this problem.
First I need to know if you have tried any of the suggestions and what was the results.
Have you removed any programs or browser add ons to stop this problem? What was the results?
I'm getting the impression you don't want to stop this problem you just play around with it.
Most important we do not help screwing up other peoples computers, (post #21).
We are here to help those that want and need are help. If I have misunderstood your post forgive me and correct me.
Layback Bear.

RJKinsman said:

Interesting article about Ubuntu. I had a terrible experience with it on a netbook, long sad story. Ended up falling back to Windows. I might be willing to give it a shot on a phone, but I would be very cautious. I run my life out that thing! Could be quite disruptive. I might try putting it on my old Treo that is sitting around doing nothing, just to play with it.

Anyway...

Here's the information you requested...
Chrome Version 24.0.1312.45 beta-m (BTW, it says "Google Chrome is up to date.")
Default Theme (hmmm... never tried themes. Interesting)
Extensions:
AddThis - Share & Bookmark (new) 2.9.9
CloudShare Plugin 1.4.4.0
DB 3.0 (Unofficial Dropbox application (icon/link)
Google Voice (by Google) 2.3.6.8
IE Tab 3.10.10.1
LastPass 2.0.14
Tabs to the front! 0.2.4
WebSlingPlayer 1.5.7.158

Click to expand...

thx for the info --- nothing I could do would replicate the issue.
You've got lots of good people helping you. I'll leave you in their hands.

Is this the original Dell factory preinstall with all the preinstalled crapware that corrupts and throttles Win7 from its native performance?

If so I'd do what most tech enthusiasts do and get the superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

If you stick with the tools and methods given you'll get and keep a perfect install. Thus anomalies like this are fully within your control if you start with a perfect baseline install.

gregrocker said:

Is this the original Dell factory preinstall with all the preinstalled crapware that corrupts and throttles Win7 from its native performance?

If so I'd do what most tech enthusiasts do and get the superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

If you stick with the tools and methods given you'll get and keep a perfect install. Thus anomalies like this are fully within your control if you start with a perfect baseline install.

Click to expand...

I don't know the answer to the question. I am not the owner of this machine, just the user. It was deployed to me by my corporate IT department, so I don't know what they did with it between the time they received it from the factory and sent it to me. Unfortunately, I don't have enough control to rebuild it as you suggest.

IT departments have been fun topics for quite a while
Dilbert comic strip for 04/06/1998 from the official Dilbert comic strips archive.

RJKinsman said:

I don't know the answer to the question. I am not the owner of this machine, just the user. It was deployed to me by my corporate IT department, so I don't know what they did with it between the time they received it from the factory and sent it to me. Unfortunately, I don't have enough control to rebuild it as you suggest.

Click to expand...

Well if that's the case, logical thing would be to pass the problem onto THEM. They're supposed to fix problems like this with corporate equipment.

cytherian said:

Well if that's the case, logical thing would be to pass the problem onto THEM. They're supposed to fix problems like this with corporate equipment.

Click to expand...

Yep. If/when I get a resolution, I'll post it here.